The excitement was uncontainable.

On the bus ride to Wildwood, senior Karia McNeil’s “Party Bus” playlist shook the frame. Color Guard was headed to Tournament Indoor Association (TIA) All Chapter Atlantic Coast Championship. 

 “The Party Bus” was a tradition McNeil had started. “We just play music and sing and dance and have a party on the bus on the way to competition,” she said.

  The guard was headed to compete in the A class. After months and months of preparation, the guard was ready to entertain.

  Cherie Cole has been color guard coach for over thirty-five years. She and her daughter Kenzie Cole, who also coaches, were both Captains at Eastern. Tired of ‘slow and pretty’ performances, Cole decided to do something different.

  “We had done a show for Outdoor called “The Gambler” and we had to have the girls acting and having fun on the field.” Cole said. “And I realized how good they were at doing that. So, I was like, I want to do a themed show that the audience is going to love.”

  She settled on a performance in a 1940’s restaurant/bar. After closing time, the workers clad with trays, flags, and rifles have a grand ol’ party set to “Zoot Suit Riot” by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. A pop-up bar was set into place for select guardsmen to dance on. Cole even handmade dishes and tray props.

  Senior Denise Dacanay said she got to spin a saber, a rifle, and a flag in the show. “They also had me toss the biggest tosses in the middle of the floor,” she said, “so there were a lot of nerve-racking moments for me especially.”

 Their second day in Wildwood was when the magic happened. After finishing up, the team heard their final scores of the year echoed against the off-white walls of building.

  Tenth place.

  Captain Denise Dacanay had been recording a video on her phone when their score, an eighty-two, was announced. She caught the reactions of her fellow guardsmen, still in bright-red, sparkling costumes. Their facial expressions ranged. Shock, disappointed, emotionless.

  “We danced our hearts out only to get a lower score than we deserved,” Dacanay said. “Everyone was livid and even the drumline members, who aren’t as educated in how Color guard scoring works, believed that we deserved better.”

  However, not every guardsmen was disappointed with the standings. McNeil was just happy to be there.

  “The competition itself I don’t care about,” McNeil said. “It’s more of the fun that I’m looking forward to.”

  McNeil joined color guard alongside Dacanay after she mentioned her interest in Spanish class. Her older sister had also performed in the guard.

  Despite the entire season leading up to TIA, McNeil believes that having fun and making memories is more important. Despite mentioning the struggles and drama she faced during her years involved with the guard, McNeil wanted to stay positive.

 McNeil said she feels blessed to be leaving with amazing friends and memories.

  Cole believes that the “right” team won that day, but was thrilled by her Eastern’s performance.

  “I would’ve loved them to come off in the top three down in Wildwood. Or the top five.” Cole said. “But they came off the floor feeling so accomplished that the score didn’t matter anymore.”

  She hopes that next year the team will continue to bring their camaraderie, dedication, and work ethic. Despite losing McNeil and Dacanay to graduation, Cole is optimistic that the team will continue  – thanks to the team’s passionate spirit.

  “I always tell them: this is more than just flags in a gym that we’re teaching you.” Cole said. “You’re learning things for life.”